1. Prevent Others from Seeing Your Browsing Activity​

One of the main reasons why you should get a VPN? To prevent others from being able to see what you’re doing on the internet.

You see, a VPN adds a layer of protection by encrypting your data. This prevents your Internet Service Provider (ISP) —and third parties—from being able to link your internet activity back to you.

The “Why would you care if you have nothing to hide” argument often gets used to make people feel guilty for wanting to hide their browsing activity. As if only the people who have something to hide want to have privacy.

With a VPN you’ll know no one is looking over your shoulder whenever you’re using the internet.

2. Prevent Being Hacked After Accessing a Public Wi-Fi Network

Did you know when you’re logged into a public wi-fi network you are prone to get infected by viruses, spied on and hacked? And this is even when the websites you visit are encrypted.

I could write a whole article explaining the different ways a public Wi-Fi is unsafe. But here’s an example: Hacker’s who are after your data set up a fake Wi-Fi connection. This is called an “Evil Twin” and completely bypasses the security systems of a public Wi-Fi.

Now imagine you log in to the public network of a hotel or café you’re in. Little did you know it’s one of these Evil Twins. A day later you find out hacker’s gained access to your Paypal or internet banking account. All your money is transferred to an offshore account. Do you feel it’s unlikely it will happen to you? Just know it has happened to countless people.

You can use a VPN when you’re on a public Wi-Fi network to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

3. Prevent Hackers From Accessing Your Skype Calls​

Skype is not as safe as you might think. While it’s true that Skype uses encryption, probably not every conversation you’re having is actually encrypted.

You see, when you make a call to a mobile phone or landline, a part of the conversation takes place over a regular phone network (PTSN). Because the PTSN doesn’t encrypt data you’re not safe. It leaves you open to get eavesdropped by hackers.

So, if you regularly have conversations with people you are close to—or have talks where you talk about sensitive business information—then this puts you at a big risk.

A VPN will make your Skype conversations safer.

4. Stop Google From Tracking You​

Chances are you already know Google keeps track of all your searches. They let advertisers target their ads based on that information. However, that’s not the only thing they keep track of.

Did you know they also know your location whenever you’re using the search engine? It has also been shown that Google gives up your private data when the government requests for it.

If you don’t want Google to know everything about you, then a VPN is a good investment. A VPN will prevent Google from being able to link your searches to your IP adress.

5. Bypass Countries Censorships

What do you think of governments that control what their citizens have access to on the internet? I think I know the answer.

Censorship is a very real situation in countries like China, Indonesia and many more. They do this for political and economic reasons.

If you live in one of these countries then you can use a VPN to bypass these restrictions. Note that it’s illegal in many of these countries.

6. Use P2P (Torrents) Safely

Peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P) makes it possible for users to download files—without the need of an external server. Examples of P2P programs are Vuze and BitTorrent.

Even though a lot of illegal activities take place over P2P, it’s also used for a lot of legal reasons. A VPN makes it possible for you to use P2P anonymously.

Now, not nearly as many people use their mobile phone to download torrent as their regular computer—but if you’re part of this group then this is an added benefit for you.

7. Stream Netflix US from Wherever You Want

Have you ever been frustrated because people in the US have access to more content on Netflix? It’s well known that Netflix US has more series and movies than any other location.

A VPN makes it possible for you to access Netflix US on your mobile— no matter where you are. So if you’re American—and plan to travel in the near future—you should consider getting a VPN.

8. Stop Getting Location-Based Advertisements​

Did you know that depending on your location you could be paying more for air plane tickets, hotels, and even shoes?

Research has found that where you’re buying something online your location can influence the price.

9. By-pass Restrictive Networks Like Your Workplace or School​

In a lot of workplaces and school’s websites are blocked. You can use a VPN to overcome this restriction.

10. Avoid Tracebacks When You’re Doing Sensitive Research​

Lastly, if you’re doing sensitive research for your work – like researching your competitors – then you don’t want them to find out your identity.

A VPN makes tracebacks impossible.

Conclusion

Despite what some people think, browsing the internet anonymously is not nearly the only benefit you get from using a VPN.

These ten reasons should let you know why the popularity of VPN’s has steadily increased over the years.

Have you considering getting one yet?

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Jeremy Jones

Writer & Cyber Security Enthusiast

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